I love collecting rare variants of sought after reverse types. This Domitian denarius with the eagle reverse has a slightly different take on the more common variant. Despite the flan crack, I think it's a handsome piece. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.53g Rome mint, 82-83 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread flat, head l. RIC 144c (R). BMC 52 var. RSC 320 var. BNC 53 var. Acquired from Kölner, June 2021. Ex Obolos 19, 8 May 2021, lot 835, Ex Brett Telford Collection. Ex CNG E302, 8 May 2013, lot 359. In 82 AD Domitian banished his a rationibus Tiberius Julius and then proceeded to increase the fineness of both the silver and gold coins to pre-Neronian standards. The portraits also became more refined and stylish. This denarius from the first post reform issue features a reverse which possibly commemorates Domitian's escape from Vitellian forces after hiding in the Temple of Jupiter during the last days of the Civil War of 69 AD. There are three variants of this reverse type with the eagle's wings either: a. upright, b. hunched, or c. flat. This type c. is extremely rare - out of 76 specimens in the asearch.com database only 6 feature 'flat' wings using three reverse dies, the remainder are the common 'hunched' variant. Type a. is only known on the aureus. Here is my type b. with 'hunched' wings for comparison. Domitian AR Denarius, 3.38g Rome mint, 82-83 AD Obv: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR; Eagle stg. front on thunderbolt, wings outspread, head l. RIC 144b (R). BMC 52. RSC 320. BNC 53. Acquired from Zuzim Judaea, January 2010. The different variants of the type give the impression of an eagle going through an aerobics workout! Please post your eagles.
Great ddition, David. Domitian (81 - 96 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG P M, laureate head of Domitian right. R: IVPPITER CONSERVATOR, eagle standing facing, head left, on thunderbolt, wings spread. Rome Mint, 82-83 A.D. 3.18g 19mm RIC II.1 144 This reverse type commemorates the events during the civil war of 69 A.D. Upon the arrival of the flavian troops in Italy, Sabinus (the elder brother of Vespasian) was forced to seek refuge in the Capitoline fortress (the sanctuary of Jupiter). He also brought in Domitian, his nephew. Eventually the fortress was set on fire and Sabinus captured and executed. Domitian managed to escape and found shelter at one of his father's clients. Later in that place he built a temple for Jupiter Conservator (= the Protector). Source: Tacitus, Histories, the 3rd book, section LXXIV : "Domitianus.....ac potiente rerum patre, disiecto aeditui contubernio, modicum sacellum Iovi Conservatori aramque posuit casus suos in marmore expressam)
That is a spectacular coin - I love it. Question: I do not own a coin with a major flan crack as I have a fear of the coin splitting... so quite wary. Is there a cost balance that you work with to minimize the risk (good price, so take your chances?? (that makes sense!).. But more importantly: is there a way to look at these cracks and have a good idea (through photographs) of long term stability? Just looking for some guidance.
Very nice denarius, @David Atherton! Flyspecking is fun! Here's a little bronze provincial eagle for variety. Septimius Severus, AD 193-211. Roman Provincial Æ assarion, 16.4 mm, 2.34 g, 1 h. Moesia Inferior, Marcianopolis. Obv: ΑV Κ Λ CΕ|CΕVΗΡΟ, laureate and draped bust right. Rev: ΜΑΡΚΙΑΝΟ|ΠΟΛΙΤΩΝ, eagle standing facing, head right. Refs: Moushmov 391a var. (obv. legend); AMNG 593.
Congratulations with your addition @David Atherton. It's interesting to not the difference in portraits between the rare variant and the more common type b. Below is my type b. The portrait is quite spectacular, but it's not as 'sophisticated'. What I personally don't like about the reverse of the more rare variant, is that the wings are not on scale, so they looks a bit more like chickenwings... After posting my coin and comparing my reverse with your reverse type b, the similarities are apparent.
Just waiting now for @TIF to create an animation of both your types and turning it into an exercise video.... with leg warmers...
Nice aerobic eagles! Here is my Diva Augustus bronze piece. Eagle standing on a tiny globe. Reminds me of those elephants on rolling balls in the circus.
